Health Ministry trashes media reports on Delta Plus variant of virus in Tripura

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<strong>The Government has trashed reports in a section of the media which stated that there were rising case of Delta Plus variant being found in Tripura.</strong></p>
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The health ministry issued a statement on Monday saying that 152 samples were sent from Tripura to NIBMG Kalyani for Whole Genome Sequence, none of which showed any indication of the Delta Plus variant.</p>
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The results of the genome sequencing reveal that 138 samples had tested positive for B.1.617.2 (Delta variant),  3 samples had tested positive for B.1.1.7 and 11 samples had tested positive for B.1.617.1(Kappa).</p>
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 “There was no case of Delta Plus reported among the aforementioned lot of sequenced samples,” the statement emphasised.</p>
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The random samples were of people tested RT-PCR positive between April and May 2021, it explained.</p>
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The Government has set up Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) comprising 38 Genome Sequencing Laboratories, for genome sequencing of the coronavirus.. Any changes to the genetic code, or mutations in the virus, can be observed based on the analysis and sequencing of samples done in the laboratories under INSACOG. This helps to track how the virus spreads and evolves.</p>
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INSACOG ascertains the status of Variants of Interest (VoI) and Variants of Concern (VoC) in the country. It establishes sentinel surveillance and surge surveillance mechanisms for early detection of genomic variants and assist in formulating effective public health response</p>
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It determines the presence of genomic variants in samples collected during super-spreader events and in areas reporting an increasing trend of cases or deaths.  </p>